Offering hundreds of free tours every year, the volunteer-led walking tours focus on everything from Central Park’s history to its wildlife. Some tours on their calendar now include Views from the Past Tour, Castle and its Kingdom Tour, Tavern and its Green Tour and the West Side Stories Tour.

Most tours are open enrollment. You simply show up. Check the Conservancy website for their calendar of tours, which include times, meeting locations and accessibility level.

This amazing tour of this Beaux Arts landmark will introduce you to some hidden treasures found in Grand Central including its design, architecture, sculptures and a history of its preservation and restoration. The tour has been around for over 25 years, is led by MAS staff who are experts in their field and passionate about Grand Central.

Be sure to check out soe of their other tours, such as their tour of the Upper West Side and 34th Street. Find out more by following the above link.

This tour led by historians Justin Ferate and Peter Laskowich will take you around the grand central neighborhood. You will visit Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building and the News Building “through new eyes”.

The AAA Guide rated The Grand Tour New York City’s “Best Walking Tour”. No reservation required. Just show up!

This group of licensed tour guides offers a number of tours in many of Manhattan’s amazing neighborhoods. The tours are free, but you should tip your guide after it is all over. The tours last around two hours each and are by foot. These tours by foot are a great way to get to know the city while getting some exercise.

You do not need to preregister unless you are in a group of six or more. They also offer custom tours for a fee.

Get the skinny on the science of beer brewing as well as the brewery itself on their monday - thursday "small batch tour". The tour lasts about 2 hours. Some free beer sampling takes place after the tour.

The Union Square Partnership teamed up with Big Onion Walking Tours to present this free tour of New York’s Union Square neighborhood. You do not need to make a reservation for the tour unless you are a large group. Simply show up. Your guide will take you through the park and surrounding area and present you with the area’s history as you explore Union Square’s architecture.

THE HIGH LINE FREE TOURS

Location: Meet at Chelsea Market Passage on The High Line near West 16th Street.

The High Line offers several free tours, from star gazing to history tours. Show up early as these tours are first come, first served and space is limited. Check out our article on The High Line to find out more.

Reservations required. You must make your reservations a week or more in advance! Be sure to plan. You can make your reservation online on their website. Also, be sure to bring an officially issued photo ID. You’ll have to go through security screening.

The tour lasts about an hour and will provide you with a brief overview of the Federal Reserve System. You will then go on a guided tour of the gold vault! After the tour, you’ll receive free admission to the bank’s museum.

Another free guided NYC tour offered by the Lower East Side Business Improvement District will take you through the LES’s artist community. You’ll explore independent galleries, studios and performance spaces. No reservation required.